In an effort to address longstanding issues with construction permitting delays, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has taken decisive action by signing an executive order to establish a new office tasked with speeding up the approval process for commercial and multifamily residential construction projects. This new initiative comes in response to chronic complaints from developers about the city’s cumbersome and time-consuming permitting process, which has significantly hampered development efforts, often resulting in abandoned projects and substantial financial losses.
Streamlining the Permitting Process
Multidepartment Coordination
One of the ambitious goals of the newly created Denver Permitting Office is to streamline the permitting process by coordinating activities across various city departments. The office does not issue permits itself; instead, it works to synchronize efforts among departments including Community Planning and Development, the Denver Fire Department, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. This coordinated approach aims to reduce redundancies, minimize bottlenecks, and ensure that the approval process is more predictable and efficient.
The core objective is to ensure that all permit applications are approved within a maximum of 180 days. For the first time in the city’s history, developers will have the option to appeal if their permit applications are not processed within this specified timeframe. Should the appeal process extend beyond 30 days, the city has committed to refunding up to $10,000 in permitting costs per project. This financial accountability is designed to incentivize timely processing and provide developers with a level of assurance that their investments will not be unduly delayed.
Project Champions
Another key element of the new office is the assignment of a “project champion” to each development application. These project champions are tasked with guiding developers through the intricate and often frustrating approval process. Their role is to ensure that each application is handled efficiently and to maintain communication with developers, providing updates and addressing concerns promptly. This initiative aims to demystify the permitting process, making it more transparent and easier to navigate for developers.
The project champions are also responsible for ensuring that responses to any inquiries related to new developments are provided within two business days. This marks a significant improvement from the previous system, where developers often faced months-long waits for feedback. By reducing response times and offering clear guidance through the permitting process, the new office aims to build greater trust and confidence among developers, encouraging them to pursue more projects within Denver.
Leadership and Oversight
Experienced Leadership
Jill Jennings Golich, who previously served as the deputy director of Community Planning and Development, has been appointed to lead the newly formed Denver Permitting Office. With her extensive experience in managing urban development projects and her deep understanding of the city’s regulatory framework, Golich is well-equipped to oversee the office’s operations. She will report directly to the mayor, ensuring that the office’s activities align with municipal goals and priorities.
Golich will be supported by two other employees who will assist in coordinating activities with over 280 staff members citywide. The office will leverage existing personnel from Community Planning and Development, which not only helps to contain costs but also ensures that the office benefits from the expertise and experience of seasoned city employees. Despite the ambitious goals set for the new office, no budget has been identified for this year, reflecting an efficient use of existing resources in its initial phase.
Long-Term Implications
While the immediate focus is on reducing permitting delays and improving process efficiency, the long-term implications of the new office are also significant. By making Denver a more business-friendly environment, the city aims to attract more developers and investors, driving economic growth and creating job opportunities. Streamlined permitting processes can also contribute to addressing broader urban challenges, such as housing affordability and infrastructure development, by enabling faster and more efficient construction projects.
The initiative stands as a pivotal moment in the city’s effort to reform its permitting process. The success of the new office will likely be measured not only by the reduction in approval times but also by the increased confidence and activity among the development community. The city hopes that by setting a strong precedent for efficient and transparent permitting, it will encourage a wave of new development projects that will benefit both residents and businesses alike.
Future Considerations
Continuous Improvement
The establishment of the Denver Permitting Office marks a significant step forward, but continuous improvement will be essential to maintain and build on initial successes. The city will need to regularly assess the effectiveness of the new processes and make necessary adjustments to address any emerging challenges or inefficiencies. Feedback from developers and other stakeholders will be crucial in this effort, providing valuable insights that can drive further enhancements to the permitting system.
Additionally, as new technologies and best practices emerge, the office will need to stay adaptable and innovative. Incorporating advanced data analytics, digital platforms, and other technological solutions can further streamline processes and improve overall efficiency. The city should also consider engaging with other municipalities that have successfully implemented similar initiatives to learn from their experiences and integrate proven strategies.
Community Engagement
Another critical aspect of the initiative’s success will be fostering strong community engagement. Open lines of communication with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders will help ensure that the permitting process remains responsive to the needs of the community. Public consultations, forums, and regular updates on the office’s progress can help build trust and support for the initiative.
Moreover, as Denver continues to grow and evolve, it will be essential to balance the needs of development with the city’s broader goals, such as sustainability, inclusivity, and quality of life. The new office must work in collaboration with various community groups and organizations to ensure that development projects align with these values and contribute to the overall well-being of the city.
Enhancing Developer Confidence
The initiative’s ultimate goal is to make Denver a more attractive and business-friendly environment. By reforming the permitting process to be faster, more efficient, and predictable, the city aims to boost developer confidence and stimulate investment. Over time, this can lead to a more vibrant and prosperous urban landscape, with new commercial and residential projects enhancing the city’s infrastructure and amenities.
Conclusion: Moving Forward
To tackle ongoing issues with construction permitting delays, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has taken firm action by signing an executive order to create a new office dedicated to expediting the approval process for commercial and multifamily residential building projects. This move is in response to frequent complaints from developers concerning the city’s slow and bureaucratic permitting process, which has hindered developmental efforts significantly. The delays have often led to abandoned projects and notable financial losses, as developers struggle with the city’s inefficient system. Johnston’s initiative aims to streamline the permitting process, reducing the bureaucratic red tape and facilitating faster approvals. This should foster a more vibrant development landscape in Denver, allowing for timely project completions and more efficient use of resources. By addressing these chronic issues, the mayor hopes to rejuvenate the city’s construction industry, encourage investment, and ultimately boost the local economy.
